SUP foil setups

Understanding front wing sizes

I designed our foil wings naming them S M L XL etc … so that everyone can easily find their way around.

You have to see it as follows : after progressing on a Curve L, you might want to evolve on a Fluid for example. Well, the size you need for the Fluid would be L again. Indeed, it’s the change of program that is judged: you go from a versatile and easy surfer wing, to a faster and very manoeuvrable wing. But your weight remains the same, so does your spot, and the wind range in which you use it too.

The right size for you in one model is therefore the size that is right for you in all GONG models.

That being said, you probably also want a light wind or a strong wind front wing. The variation in available power will require you to adjust the size of the wing of your foil. (It is not an absolute requirement by the way.) In this case, you want another size, M or XL for example.

But remember that I have scaled all the wings on a single equivalence grid. An L is an L.

You will tell me yes but the Fluid L is much smaller than the X-Over L !!! It’s true and that’s precisely my job: to estimate exactly your progress when you decide to switch from one to the other and to calibrate the sizes so that you feel like in slippers with your new wing in a new program. You go from an athletic beginner to a radical carver, it is logical that the necessary surface for your performances will drop considerably. And I am the one doing the math to adjust the ranges. L’Ours.

Understand our foil range

Which stabs?

The stabs have a major role. They determine the stability of the foil and help the lift, but at the expense of the maximum speed of the foil.

Thus, thick stabs are slower than thin stabs, but are much more load-bearing, and therefore effective at low speed. Rectangular stabs are more stable than stabs with fine points.

Understanding the different stability axes of your foil

To fly with total control on a foil, you have to understand its behavior. You cannot simply transpose your reflexes acquired in surfing, kitesurfing or windsurfing to the same practice with a foil.

Whatever your background is, your beginnings will be a hassle if you do not integrate some basic notions. Among these notions, there are the axes of stability of your foil. This basic knowledge will also allow you to adapt your foil to your needs as you get better. Let’s see this together!

Finding balance on a foil board is a different story than staying on your feet on a classic board. Because basically, from your takeoff, you are no longer gliding on a hull but flying on an airplane with the deck of your board as the cockpit. The stability of this airplane is governed by the 3 axes of stability: pitch, roll and yaw.

Depending on the foil set-up you are using, you can change the balance. Beginners will want an ultra stable flight and those with more level, a foil as free as possible. Learning which details influence these aspects will help you to better understand and above all to choose the most suitable foil for your needs. All explanations here.

Which cover?

Don’t forget to protect your foil, we have developed a cover that allows you to protect the plane: the front wing, the fuselage and the stabilizer. You don’t risk damaging your foil by storing it in your garage or loading it in the car.

For carbon masts, you can also protect it with our mast covers. This way your foil is fully protected.

Never forget your spare parts

There is nothing more annoying than arriving at the spot, seeing perfect conditions, and then realising that you are missing one or more screws, or that by being in too much of a hurry, you have just screwed up a screw head. Consider that screws are consumables and that they should be changed regularly, and ideally, you should have some in advance.

We also advise you to protect your aluminium foil from galvanic corrosion by using Tikal Tef-Gel. This prevents blisters from forming on the surface of the metal and reliably protects it from corrosion by galvanic currents between different types of metal. You will also avoid jamming your screws, and you will have a much better tightening torque.